Opening an AirTag is a two-step process: twist the stainless steel back counterclockwise, then lift it away from the white plastic front

The AirTag battery compartment is sealed by a threaded metal ring on the back. Hold the white plastic disc in one hand and grip the shiny steel back with your other hand. Rotate the steel back counterclockwise (the same direction you'd unscrew a jar lid) until it stops — this usually takes a quarter turn or less. You will feel it loosen. Once it stops turning, lift the steel back straight up and away from the plastic body.

The battery sits inside the plastic cup, held in place by a small metal contact. You do not need to remove anything else. The entire opening process takes about five seconds once you know the direction to turn.

Key Takeaways

  • Turn the steel back counterclockwise until it stops, then lift it straight up — do not pull sideways or force it.
  • The battery is a CR2032 coin cell, the same type used in watches and calculators, and costs between two and five dollars.
  • The metal contact inside the plastic cup must touch the flat side of the new battery, not the ridged edge.
  • Screw the steel back clockwise until snug — you do not need to force it, and over-tightening can crack the plastic.

What happens when you twist the back off

As soon as the steel ring clears the plastic threads, you can lift the entire back away. Inside, you will see a small metal spring or contact point touching a circular battery. The battery is a CR2032, which is a standard coin-cell battery 20 millimeters across and 3.2 millimeters thick. It looks like a shiny silver disc.

The metal contact is glued or riveted to the inside of the plastic cup and does not come out. You only remove the battery itself. Gently pry the old battery out with your fingernail or the edge of a coin if it is stuck — the plastic cup is soft and will not break from normal handling, but avoid using sharp tools that could scratch the inside.

Installing the new battery correctly

A CR2032 battery has two sides: one flat and shiny, one with a raised ridge around the edge. The flat side must face the metal contact inside the plastic cup. Slide the new battery in with the flat side down, directly under the metal contact point. You should hear or feel a small click as the contact touches the battery surface.

If the battery does not sit flat or the contact does not touch it, the AirTag will not turn on. Rotate the battery 180 degrees and try again — sometimes the angle matters. Once the battery is seated, you are ready to close the AirTag.

Screwing the back on and testing

Align the steel back with the plastic body so the threads line up. Rotate the steel back clockwise (like screwing a lid on) until it is snug. You should feel resistance as the threads engage. Stop when the back is tight — you do not need to force it, and pushing too hard can crack the plastic threads inside.

Once the back is sealed, the AirTag should turn on within a few seconds. If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Mac nearby, open the Find My app and look for a notification that the AirTag is ready to set up. If nothing appears after 30 seconds, the battery may not be making contact — unscrew the back and check that the flat side of the battery is facing down.

Where to buy a CR2032 battery

CR2032 batteries are sold at pharmacies, grocery stores, hardware stores, and online retailers. You can find them in the watch or battery aisle at most drugstores. A single battery costs between two and five dollars, and a pack of two or four costs only slightly more. Some retailers sell store-brand versions that work identically to name brands like Energizer or Duracell.

If you cannot find a CR2032 locally, online marketplaces have them in stock year-round. A battery usually arrives within two days if you order with standard shipping. Keep a spare on hand — AirTag batteries last about one year with normal use, so you will need to replace it again eventually.

Common mistakes that prevent the AirTag from working

The most frequent error is installing the battery upside down. If the ridged edge faces the metal contact instead of the flat side, the battery will not make electrical contact and the AirTag will not power on. Always check that the shiny flat surface is facing down toward the contact point.

The second mistake is not screwing the back on tightly enough. If the steel ring is loose, the battery can shift and lose contact. Screw it until snug, but do not over-tighten — you are looking for firm resistance, not maximum force. The third mistake is using the wrong battery type. CR2032 is the only battery an AirTag accepts. Do not use CR2025, CR2016, or any other coin-cell size, as they will not fit or power the device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I damage the AirTag by opening it?

No. The AirTag is designed to be opened by the user, and the plastic and metal are durable enough for repeated battery changes. Avoid dropping it while the back is off, and do not force the steel ring if it does not turn — if it is stuck, try gripping it with a rubber band or cloth for better traction.

What if the steel back is stuck and won't turn?

Wrap a rubber band around the steel back to increase grip, or hold it under warm water for a few seconds to expand the metal slightly. Turn slowly and steadily rather than jerking. If it still will not budge after a minute of gentle effort, stop and let it sit for an hour before trying again.

How long does an AirTag battery last?

A CR2032 battery typically lasts about one year in an AirTag with normal use. The exact length depends on how often the AirTag communicates with nearby Apple devices. You will receive a notification in the Find My app when the battery is low, usually a few weeks before it dies completely.

Do I need to reset the AirTag after changing the battery?

No. The AirTag remembers your account and settings after a battery change. It will reconnect to Find My automatically within a few seconds of the new battery making contact. You only need to set up an AirTag from scratch the first time you use it.

Can I use rechargeable batteries in an AirTag?

Rechargeable CR2032 batteries exist, but Apple does not recommend them. Rechargeable versions have a slightly lower voltage than disposable ones, which can cause the AirTag to behave unpredictably. Stick with standard disposable CR2032 batteries for reliable performance.